Northeast Scouting Report Blog

​It isn't uncommon for St. John's to get off to a slow start in conference play. Since the new Big East alignment in 2013, the team hasn't started off conference play with a bang. As a Graduate Assistant with the team during the 2013-2014 season we started 0-5 with eight pro prospects on the roster. It was more shocking than disappointing. Eventually the pressure starts to build and you just want to get the monkey off your back, which means earning that first elusive win. The following season the team started 0-3. Last season the team started 4-6 but this year has been the worst start yet, going 0-11 after losing to a tough nationally ranked Xavier squad at Carnesecca Arena last night. Starting 0-11 in conference is a teams worst nightmare and something you never plan for. St. John's has a ton of fight and shouldn't be taken for granted but there are different factors holding this team back from competing at a higher level. I pinpointed three reasons St. John's has gotten off to a rocky start.

Marcus LoVett

Owens & Ponds

1. Marcus LoVett Injury: LoVett, a second team preseason All-Big East Team selection, played his last game on November 26th and will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. This has proven to be a major lost for St. John's. He's a scoring guard with playmaking capability. In addition, he takes the majority of the focus off of Shamorie Ponds another scoring guard. He would also give the Redstorm more needed depth. ​2. Bench Play: The bench hasn't been productive this season which has caused the starters to play a load of minutes. After several transfers and player departures, the depth has taken a significant hit. Over the last 5 games the bench is averaging 14.12 minutes per game and 2 points per game.

3. Slow Starts: There is no doubt this team competes each night, but the level of consistency needed is lacking. In conference play the team has only won one half and tied another. Slow starts means they're constantly playing from behind. St. John's is arguably a better second half team, but their deficiencies doesn't lead to wins.